Fife in Level 4: Businesses in Kirkcaldy prepare for tighter restrictions

All non-essential businesses are set to close from Boxing Day onwards for three weeks as the Scottish Government introduces tough new measures in a bid to tackle a new strain of coronavirus.

Ronnie Marshall, owner of Byron Hairdressing in Kirkcaldy, said after the initial relaxed Christmas plans he was expecting repercussions.

He said: “Hearing about the new strain of the virus, I thought there might be one in January, but I didn't expect it in December. It will impact on our business in terms of revenue but our clients' and teams' safety are my main priority. I am worried but we have to deal with it one step at a time. It is having a huge impact on many businesses and some may find it difficult to re-open in the new year.”

He acknowledged it was a difficult decision for the First Minister to take as she is looking at the financial impact as well as the safety of the public.

“In previous weeks they have tried putting regions into different tiers and now they feel this is the only way, so as much as I don't want it I think it probably is the best decision.”

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Sam and Huw Davis, owners of Strength Lab Crossfit in Randolph Industrial Estate, said: “We were shocked to hear the announcement on Saturday. We have been running our business under strict guidelines and been successful in avoiding any cases of the virus stemming from the gym.

“Just like before we will move our group fitness to an online platform lending out our equipment to members and continuing to provide a comprehensive training programme adapted to home and outdoors.”

They added: “We are extremely worried the three weeks will turn into six and so on. The effect of the closure on the mental health of our members is disastrous and the effect on our business that we work so hard to build is devastating.”

Christine Cunningham-Smith from Bliss Beauty said the impact is very difficult to measure at this stage.

She said closure for the three more weeks is unsettling for her team and to have no salon income for the period in question without any apparent support is devastating.

She said: “Like so many, I am concerned about the uncertainty of the time scales. If this lockdown goes on for longer we will again struggle at the start of what was hopefully going to be a better year.

“We, like many other small businesses, try to look at other means of staying 'visible’ to our clients, but I'm sure as we have seen already, some businesses may not survive this blow.”

Ricky Barclay, owner of the new Merchants House Cafe, said: “We are disappointed but we are not alone in this situation and we will continue to try and stay open for takeaway.

“We are a new business and we will do what we can to serve our customers who have been fantastic.

“We are hoping that this won't last longer than January 18. There is no Government help for new business as far as I’m aware. We hope there are good days to come and will stay positive.”

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